Getting Started with Government Contracting with the Department of Justice

Looking to Enter into Contracts with the U.S. DOJ?

Government contracting is a lucrative but complicated business. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is one of the many public agencies you can choose to contract with.

The DOJ, like other federal bodies, is committed to accommodating small businesses into their operations and procurement. In fact, the department has an office dedicated to it – the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. This office caters to small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone certified businesses, as well as businesses owned by women or owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans.

Getting Started in Government Contracting

To maximize the department’s commitment to providing opportunities to small businesses, you need to get started with the basics of the federal marketplace. The basic requirements to becoming a government contractor is the same across different federal bodies.

To pursue government contracting, small businesses have to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS). DUNS is a unique nine-digit number that can be freely obtained online by vendors seeking to become government contractors. You can get this number online here.

Next, small businesses must and register in the System for Award Management (SAM) SAM is a consolidation of different procurement systems under the U.S. General Services Administration. Small businesses registered in SAM can do business with the federal government as well as self-certify as a small business. You can access the system here.

Government Contracting Opportunities with the DOJ

Once you have the basics in place, you need to stay on top to get the right opportunities for your business. Government contracting is a competitive industry. Prevailing wage contractors need to be alert and active in looking for sources of opportunities to win contracts.

A key part of getting contracting opportunities is looking out for the right match between what you offer and what the Department of Justice needs. Knowing the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes can help you identify what services you offer. The NAICS is the standard used to classify business establishments.

Next, you need to know what DOJ component(s) match the products and/or services your firm provides. You can look for more specific opportunities through the DOJ Forecast of Contracting Opportunities, which can be found here. This list contains planned procurement for the year, and it includes the Department’s major buying activities. Though the forecast is a planning document only, you can use it to strategize and wait for bid invitations and request for proposals.

Another source of opportunities is the Federal Business Opportunities website. The site features current DOJ contracting opportunities, which can easily be filtered by classification, NAICS code, and more.

If you’ve found an opportunity or component you think your business matches, you can contact the DOJ Small Business Specialist for assistance in helping you connect your firm with the agency.

Learn More about Government Contracting with ARCHER JORDAN

Once you’ve found the right government contracting opportunities for your business, you need to win a contract with a competitive bid. To do this, you need to ensure your business is compliant with laws such as the Service Contract Act and Davis Bacon Act, which govern the provision of prevailing wages and fringe benefits to employees.

As a third-party administrator providing fringe benefits to government contractors, ARCHER JORDAN can help you with government compliance. With the right tools in your arsenal, you can win government contracting opportunities with the Department of Justice. Contact us today!